Feeding strategies to increase small ruminant production in dry environments

In the low-rainfall areas of much of Africa and Asia, small ruminants represent the principal economic output, contributing a large share of the income of farmers. Animal numbers have increased over the last two decades, driven by a rising demand for animal products and subsidized feed price (e.g. barley, maize). Side effects of this and changing climatic patterns are increasing desertification, resulting in a decline in rangeland resources, which are often insufficient to meet current demand, coupled with a fall in total feed resources due to overgrazing, ploughing of marginal land and soil erosion. Consequently, goats and sheep are facing serious nutrient shortages. These animals often depend on low quality crop residues (e.g. straws, stubbles) and expensive feed supplements. Technical solutions to some of these problems are available, for example the advantageous use of fodder trees, shrubs and cactus has been demonstrated. Conservation through ensiling and the use of feed blocks (FB) gives greater efficiency of use of a wide range of agro-industrial by-products (AGIBPs). But their adoption has been slow, often because of lack of knowledge of the farmers' problems and expectations. Adaptive research of technologies and management practices are needed, to provide the policy and institutional support for wider adoption of improved production and resource management practices. Some research-development projects based on the farmer participatory approach have resulted in improved crop and livestock technologies being introduced. On-farm surveys and in-depth economic analyses have shown that these pioneer projects have contributed significantly to the welfare of farmers in dry areas. The lesson learned from these projects is that "by working hand-in-hand with rural communities, agricultural researchers and extension specialists, it should be possible to refine and promote technologies and policies that might help ensure sustainable livelihoods and enhance the productive capacity of drylands everywhere". Success stories of technology transfer projects include the Mashreq and Maghreb project (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas [ICARDA]-coordinated project). (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.